If your USB-C power adapter isn't charging your Mac notebook

Learn what to do if the USB-C power adapter that came with your MacBook (2015 and later), MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018), or MacBook Pro (2016 and later) stops charging, gets warm, or sparks.

MacBook (2015 and later), MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018), and MacBook Pro (2016 and later) come with a USB-C power adapter and charge cable. You can learn which power adapter and cable come with your Mac notebook computer, and find troubleshooting tips below. If you're having an issue with a non-Apple power adapter, try using the Apple power adapter and cable that came with your Mac notebook instead.

USB-C power adapter

AC plug, or "duckhead"

USB-C charging cable

If your Mac notebook with USB-C doesn't charge

If your USB-C power adapter isn't charging your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, first try unplugging the power adapter from the power outlet, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in. If that doesn't help, check these things.

Check power

Make sure the USB-C power adapter that came with your Mac notebook is connected to a known working power outlet. Try plugging in a lamp or other appliance to make sure the outlet has power. If you've plugged the power adapter into a power strip, try plugging it directly into the wall outlet.

If the power adapter shuts off, interference might be affecting the power outlet you're using. If your power adapter works for a while, but then stops charging, temporarily unplug it from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug the power adapter back in.

If your Mac notebook starts charging after you plug the power adapter back in, this might indicate an issue with line noise (disruption caused by stray electromagnetic signals) from your power outlet. The power adapter automatically shuts off when its built-in voltage protection feature senses line noise from an outlet.

Some possible sources of line noise include lights with ballasts, refrigerators, or mini-refrigerators that are on the same electrical circuit as the outlet you're using. Plugging the power adapter into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or an outlet that's on a different circuit can help.

Your power adapter comes with a removable AC plug that has the blades you insert into an electrical outlet. If your Mac notebook doesn't charge when using the AC plug with the power adapter, try it with another Apple AC plug, or try using an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).

Check cabling

Your Mac notebook comes with a USB-C cable that charges the computer. You can find out if this cable is causing your charging issue by trying another USB-C cable. Remember, not all USB-C cables can charge your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, so make sure the cable you try is designed for charging.

If your Mac notebook begins charging only when you wiggle or move the USB-C cable or Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately), immediately stop using the cable and get your cable and power supply evaluated.

Check for updates

In some cases, software or firmware updates might be available for your computer that improve communication with your power adapter. If your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with USB-C isn't charging as expected, check for software updates using the Mac App Store.

If the adapter gets warm

The USB-C power adapter can become warm during normal use, so be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. Always plug the power adapter directly into a power outlet using the AC plug, or place it on a table or other well ventilated area when using the Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).

Avoid placing your adapter in a poorly ventilated area, like on a couch, thick carpeting, bedding, or a pillow. Avoid covering the adapter with a blanket or other insulation.

The power adapter might turn itself off if it gets too warm. If this happens, disconnect the USB-C cable from your Mac notebook, then let the power adapter cool down before handling it.

If you see a spark

When you plug in the USB-C power adapter, it might spark where the blades of the plug enter the outlet. This is generally normal and can happen when you plug any electrical appliance into a power outlet.

If you see any of the following when you plug in your adapter, or if you have other concerns about sparking, you should contact Apple:

Contact Apple if a spark comes from somewhere other than the blades of the plug.

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